Why you'd want to live in Vail
In 1962, Vail Mountain opened to the public with one gondola and two chairlifts. Today, 31 lifts have the capacity to transport more than 60,000 skiers uphill per hour. One of the largest ski resorts in North America, Vail has come to be one of its most popular–and most prestigious, a reputation it continues to invest in. Past the half-century mark, Vail has been getting a makeover with millions reinvested in infrastructure upgrades. Much of the town’s sales tax revenues is generated during ski season, which experiences some 200 inches of snowfall per winter. However, the Alpine-style, pedestrian-friendly resort has year-round recreational and cultural activities, too, such as fishing, festivals, whitewater rafting and golf. Six courses are located within an hour’s radius. Summer weather is dry and comfortable. Vail’s dramatic Rocky peaks and 5,000 skiable acres are surrounded by 350,000 federally protected acres of the White River National Forest. Limits on development have contributed to keeping residential real estate values stable. In 2013, Barron’s ranked Vail 11th in its list of “20 Best Places for Second Homes” and called the destination a good fit, “for those who want the high life rather than the quiet life.” A two-hour drive west of Denver, Vail is all about the concierge lifestyle with an emphasis on ease, service and comfort. Even the sidewalks are heated. A collection of micro-communities enjoys easy access to the mountains and offers a range of ownership opportunities. They include premium condominiums featuring fitness centers, pools, hot tubs and ski valets. In some cases, older developments are being torn down and replaced with full-service resorts. Single-family residences in low density areas push the definition of mountain architecture with reinterpretations that are as sustainable as they are stunning. Some even come with memberships to private clubs. Owning a vacation home in Vail may be the temptation you need to enjoy the wide open space of the Rocky Mountains. via citytowninfo.com
